ACCESSORIES

RBT Barware

Hmm, this set of barware from RBT is sure worth a second glance. Take a look at the collection. There’s an aerator with faceted acrylic top, a decanter made of borosilicate glass, a tabletop corkscrew (for the uncoordinated-yet-stylish amongst us?), a metal Wing Corkscrew, and more. All feature the signature black and gold color scheme, which keeps your bar area looking sharp. You’ll look like you know what you’re doing, even when you don’t.(more…)

The Natural Balance, Self-Watering Flowerpot

This cute little flowerpot hides a trick up its sleeve, as it has a hidden reservoir that keeps the soil of the plant hydrated. A water-permeable, earthenware partition lets water soak through gradually, giving your plant just enough water right when it needs it. When the pot needs more water, it will tip to its side, making it very obvious you need to grab the watering can. Only when you fill the reservoir back up will the pot return to its normal, upright position. Interested? Back the project over at Kickstarter.(more…)

Helsinki Paper Bag Holder

If you have a bunch of paper bags that aren’t being utilized, you may want to add this item by Helena Mattila to your cart*. The Helsinki Paper Bag Holder is simply a black metal frame that’s designed to hold paper bags, thus making it exceptionally appropriate for sorting your recycling or stacking magazines and newspapers. Find a suitable cloth bag that fits on the frame, and you’ve got a laundry or toy storage option. So, plonk down your $26 (sale today only, $35 usually) and know that you’ll be reusing all those extra bags very soon. Note: set two of these frames with bags next to each other and add a third bag in between for more storage.(more…)

Pebble Cheese Board and Accessories

If you go completley bonkers over cheese, you’ll look way less crazy if you eat your fromage (said with a French accent) on something as sleek as the Pebble Cheese Board. Bonus sophistication points if you use the accompanying accessories to shovel that precious Gouda and Gruyère into that mouth of yours, as the curves on the black cutting utensils are elegant and the silicone handles ensure a good grip and safe delivery. And, yes, of course, any (or all) of the pieces could be a good gift for your favorite turophile as well. Be sure to check out the Craft Salt and Pepper Cellars and Shakers by Simon Legald as well.(more…)

Crank Brothers Multi 19 Tool

Multi-tools are must-haves, don’t you think? Whether you keep one on you, in your car, or on your bicycle, you’re prepared for almost anything with a multi-tool. They’re way easier than carrying around than a toolbox, that’s for sure. The Crank Brothers Multi 19 Tool features side grips for a secure handhold and includes a spoke wrench, a chain tool, hex wrenches, open wrench, screwdrivers, and torx. And, yes, I had to look up torx. Also, if you are (or know) a cyclist, do check out the Crane E-Ne Bell in black, also available from the same retailer.(more…)

Brass Pencil and Case

Know someone that’s always writing and sketching with a pencil? Pair Miho Hashimoto’s Brass Pencil with the Brass Pencil Case for a thoughtful gift. The pencil fits inside its holder for a more compact writing utensil, while the case is the perfect spot to keep an extra couple of favorite pens and other necessities. Both holder and case will change color over time as they oxidize.(more…)

Lego Architecture

The phrase ‘fun for the whole family!’ keeps running through my head when I look through the whole of Lego Architecture. And, in fact, building any of the well known structures and monuments will be fun for your whole family, as everyone can participate. Some of my favorites are harder to find and a bit more expensive (Villa Savoye, Farnsworth House, etc.), but look around and see if there’s one or two that might scratch your Lego itch. They may even be collectible further in the future, so, it’s an investment, really, right?(more…)

Duo Coffee Steeper

More coffee paraphernalia for your consideration… The Duo Coffee Steeper features two chambers to produce the the richness of immersion brewing but with a cleaner taste. Your hot water and coffee steeps in the upper chamber, then once your brew reaches the right strength, you twist the silicone center to let it flow through 2 stainless steel filters into the lower carafe. Twist it again and you’ve locked the chamber for pouring from the spout. Pretty easy, and relatively compact- it may even be a good option to bring with you on your travels, if you’re picky about your coffee.(more…)

EM77 Vacuum Jug

Lukewarm coffee is just not acceptable, and this EM77 Vacuum Jug will ensure hot coffee stays hot. When tipped, the rocker stopper automatically opens to let coffee flow out- this limits the amount air entering the jug, thus preventing your coffee from cooling prematurely. You can use the EM77 Vacuum Jug to keep beverages cold as well, so don’t put it in the back of the cupboard when spring comes around. Now on sale.(more…)

Cast Iron Bar Set

If you know someone who drinks, chances are they’ll make use of this Cast Iron Bar Set. It’s just about as simple and robust as you can get when it comes to bar accessories, so snap a few sets up for those sturdy friends and family of yours that tend to enjoy a bottle of beer, wine, or whiskey. Best of all, it’s not too terribly expensive. Score!(more…)

Mozartkugel Music Box

What do you get the person who has everything? A Mozartkugel Music Box, of course. Turn the key and Mozart’s ‘Voi Che Sapete’ from ‘Marriage of Figaro’ begins playing from inside the large, solid wooden ball. Magic? We wish. This wind-up music box is cleverly designed by Adam + Harborth of Siebensachen and is available in Light Beech, Dark Smoked Oak, special edition #01 Snowball, or special edition #03 Golden Oak.

Carrie Portable LED Lamp

Take this portable LED light practically anywhere- outside on the patio, over to the beach, or beside your chair or bed for reading. The steel base and handle holds an opaque glass shade while the internal LED light is rechargeable via USB. When you’re not toting it around, you can remove the handle for a simpler shape.(more…)

Grain Plank Tray

It’s Thanksgiving week here in the United States, so you still have a tiny bit of time to round out your dishes and trays before your family descends. Take a look at Grain’s Plank Tray- it’s made from sustainably sourced ash in the Pacific Northwest and would look wonderful as a centerpiece, with or without food and drinks.(more…)

Q-Hook

S-hooks are handy to have, but they often fall when you unhook something. Therein lies the improvement of the Q-Hook. It extends the traditional ‘s’ shaped design into a curled ‘q’- this keeps the hook attached no matter how many times you grab stuff off of it, yet still keeps the hook easy to add and remove. Smart, right? Available in blue, grey, and pink, in a set of 3.(more…)

OYOBox Eyewear Organizer

I know, I know, organizing your eyewear is not at the top of your list. However, if you have more than three pairs of good glasses/sunglasses, chances are that you often fumble around with cases and worry about scratches. So, maybe you need an OYOBox; it’s a box just for your eyewear. A glass lid keeps dust out while a leatherette interior has one centered ridge to keep glasses upright and aligned. I’ve seen a sample in person and I’m impressed. And, yes, you guessed it, the boxes aren’t cheap, but your glasses aren’t either, so why not keep them safe in a nice, lacquered box? Maybe put the small one on your holiday wish list?(more…)